Top Healthcare Skills in Demand in Ireland for 2026
Healthcare in Ireland is evolving rapidly. Medical innovation, an ageing population, and a clear shift towards community-based and preventative care are reshaping how services are delivered. As we move into 2026, demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow across public, private, and community settings.
For healthcare workers, this means opportunity. Whether you are newly qualified or highly experienced, understanding where demand is rising – and which skills employers value most – will help you plan your next career move with confidence.
What Is Driving Demand for Healthcare Skills?
Several long-term trends are influencing healthcare workforce needs in Ireland:
People are living longer and often require more complex, long-term care
Chronic conditions are increasing, placing pressure on services
Care is moving beyond hospitals into communities, homes, and virtual settings
Mental health and early intervention services are expanding
Government investment is focused on integrated and preventative care models
Together, these factors are driving sustained demand for qualified, adaptable healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines.
Healthcare Roles Most in Demand for 2026
Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers remain essential to delivering care closer to home and in long-term settings. Employers are seeking professionals skilled in:
Personal care and daily living support
Infection prevention and control
Patient observations and basic clinical support
First aid and age-specific care needs
Public Health Nurses and community-based support roles are also in high demand as services expand outside acute hospitals.
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Therapy Roles
Preventative care and rehabilitation are central to future healthcare delivery. As a result, demand continues to rise for:
Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Speech and Language Therapists
Radiographers and Radiation Therapists
Podiatrists, Dietitians, Social Workers and Medical Scientists
Key requirements include strong clinical expertise, ethical practice, effective communication skills, and CORU registration where applicable.
Mental Health, Geriatric, Palliative and Community Care
Mental health and older-person services are among the fastest-growing areas. Roles in high demand include:
Psychiatrists
Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
Community and palliative care teams
These roles require resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to support individuals with complex and long-term needs.
Hospital and Acute Care Specialists
Despite the shift towards community care, acute services remain critical. Ireland continues to need:
General Practitioners (particularly in rural areas)
Consultants and specialist doctors
Emergency Medicine professionals
Nurses and Healthcare Assistants across acute and nursing home settings
Specialist expertise and flexibility across care environments are key advantages in these roles.
Digital and Technology-Enabled Healthcare Roles
Technology now underpins modern healthcare delivery. Employers increasingly value professionals who are confident using:
Digital health systems and electronic records
Telehealth and virtual consultations
Remote monitoring and data-driven tools
Virtual wards and integrated care platforms
Digital literacy is no longer optional – it is becoming a core healthcare skill.
Key Soft Skills Healthcare Employers Look For
Alongside qualifications and clinical competence, soft skills remain critical in healthcare recruitment. In-demand interpersonal skills include:
Empathy, patience and clear communication
Critical thinking and sound decision-making
Adaptability in fast-paced environments
Emotional intelligence and stress management
Time management and teamwork
These skills are developed through experience and can strongly differentiate healthcare professionals in a competitive market.
If you are exploring agency work or permanent roles in healthcare, TTM is here to support you every step of the way.
Find out more about current opportunities with TTM today here.
